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The differences between ultrasonographers and x-ray technicians can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both an ultrasonographer and an x-ray technician. Additionally, an ultrasonographer has an average salary of $79,249, which is higher than the $51,642 average annual salary of an x-ray technician.
The top three skills for an ultrasonographer include patients, patient care and radiology. The most important skills for an x-ray technician are patients, ARRT, and radiologic technologist.
| Ultrasonographer | X-Ray Technician | |
| Yearly salary | $79,249 | $51,642 |
| Hourly rate | $38.10 | $24.83 |
| Growth rate | 10% | 6% |
| Number of jobs | 13,346 | 60,780 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 54% | Associate Degree, 62% |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 2 |
Ultrasonographers are medical professionals who use ultrasound and imaging equipment to form images of many parts of the body to help doctors diagnose and treat many medical conditions. These sonographers must ensure that the quality of images is excellent by operating imaging equipment and reviewing those images so that they can be useful for diagnosis. They are required to prepare patients for ultrasound exam procedures while providing proper education throughout the exam. Ultrasonographers must also review the medical history of patients and coordinate care with various departments within the hospital.
The job of X-ray technicians, or X-ray technologists, is to detect medical issues that may need urgent medical treatment using cutting-edge imaging methods. The pictures they generate aid physicians in diagnosing and treating injuries and illnesses with better accuracy. They use a wide range of imaging technologies such as the traditional X-ray machines, computerized axial tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging. X-ray technicians may also perform some office work that includes preparing work schedules, managing radiologic departments, and setting up physicians' stations.
Ultrasonographers and x-ray technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Ultrasonographer | X-Ray Technician | |
| Average salary | $79,249 | $51,642 |
| Salary range | Between $47,000 And $132,000 | Between $32,000 And $81,000 |
| Highest paying City | Boston, MA | Fresno, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | Blessing Hospital Emergency Room | Stability Healthcare |
| Best paying industry | Health Care | Health Care |
There are a few differences between an ultrasonographer and an x-ray technician in terms of educational background:
| Ultrasonographer | X-Ray Technician | |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 54% | Associate Degree, 62% |
| Most common major | Medical Technician | Medical Technician |
| Most common college | Duke University | Texas A&M University |
Here are the differences between ultrasonographers' and x-ray technicians' demographics:
| Ultrasonographer | X-Ray Technician | |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 14.6% Female, 85.4% | Male, 40.3% Female, 59.7% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 4.2% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 10.4% Asian, 8.8% White, 72.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% | Black or African American, 10.3% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 17.7% Asian, 9.3% White, 57.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7% |
| LGBT Percentage | 6% | 10% |